Aura suspends mine operations in Honduras

The company Aura, a mid-tier gold and copper production firm operating in America, has suspended operations of San Andres mine in Honduras.

San Andres mine was illegally occupied by individuals who entered the site in order to interrupt the company's mining procedures on July 13, 2018. Aura has not figured out a solution ever since and, therefore, mining operations have to stop immediately. Aura will still operate the heap leach pads that have been stacked with ore produced outside the mine.

Rodrigo Barbosa, CEO of Aura, explains the reasons why the company has to abandon works at San Andres mine: "When these criminals first illegally entered the mine, the company was able to mine outside of the mine plan, with decent results. However, the recovery rates in these areas have decreased and the company is now forced to take the difficult position and suspend mining operations."

The company has tried to cooperate with local and national authorities in order to resolve the issue but the problem is far more complex and not only Aura is involved. "Our mine provides direct jobs to hundreds of community members and thousands of indirect jobs that will be lost due to the illegal actions of a few criminals. This is not a community issue and the company continues to try to foster a peaceful resolution," Barbosa said.

At this point, Aura will have to consider all the possible choices about the future of San Andres mine. "We are extremely frustrated with this situation which is happening across the country, with several hydroelectric and other mining projects being shut down," Barbosa adds.